[Primary carcinoma of Bartholin's glands with HPV 18 detection]

A primary carcinoma of the Bartholin's gland is a rarely type of vulva-carcinoma. The patients median age are 55 years and the etiology of the carcinoma are still unknown. Viral influences are discussed. Most frequent types of carcinomas of Bartholin's gland are those of squamous cells and adenocarcinomas. This article reports on a 55 year old patient with a primary carcinoma of Bartholin's gland. The human papillomavirus 18 was detected by a polymerase chain reaction. The correct diagnosis was delayed because of an initial misinterpretation of the carcinoma as a Bartholin cyst, marsupialization and bad healing of the wound. The patient underwent a radical vulvectomy with bilateral inguinofemoral lymphonodectomy in combination with radiation therapy.